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12/20/2010 10:36:49 AM EDT
Ok, I have asked some questions and here is another.  I am thinking about building my own.  My problem is I don't know quality from junk having never been around ARs before.  I live near Wideners and they have lowers on sale for $69.  Seems like a good deal.  Here are some of my questions.  Is there a good list of all the parts I will need to purchase anywhere?  How do I know quality parts from junk parts?  What can a quality built ar be built for price wise?  Is it better to buy certain parts already built or buy individual everything and build it all myself?  I know a lot of these questions have been answered before but this is really a little mind boggling for someone with absolutely no experience.  The bad thing is I am really thinking of buying 2 lowers since I have two sons.  Figured if I was going to build them, I could order two of everything as I could afford it.  Thanks for any help.
12/20/2010 10:43:42 AM EDT
[#1]
Where you want to spend your money is on the barrel, bolt carrier group, and lower parts kits.

Bravo Company has a high reputation and I have had very good success with them.
12/20/2010 11:04:47 AM EDT
[#2]
Agree with Sigman.

I've done three builds and the barrel, bolt and trigger are the most important components regarding accuracy.

Bravo company has a good reputation.  That being said,  I buy parts from a variety of suppliers depending on what it is I'm building.

I can't comment on the LRB lower since I've never tried one.  However, I've used forged lowers from three different companies with no problems. if it is made to milspec as the Wideners ad implies, then it will work.  It is not necessary to buy expensive billet lowers unless you are particular about fit and finish.

Assembling a lower is pretty easy and does not require a big investment in specialized tools.  Since Wideners is local for you, I'd suggest you get one and give it a try!  Once you've done the lower you can decide if you want to build your own upper or buy one already assembled.


Of courcse once you build one you will want to build more.   Welcome to BRD  
12/20/2010 11:09:40 AM EDT
[#3]
See, I just learned something new.  Forged and billet.  I thought a lower was a lower.  I have so much to learn.  Maybe I am in over my head.
12/20/2010 11:25:21 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
See, I just learned something new.  Forged and billet.  I thought a lower was a lower.  I have so much to learn.  Maybe I am in over my head.


Well, ARF.COM is a great place to learn all about ARs  .   The 'Build It Yourself' forum has a really good tutorial on how to assemble your own... that's where I learned. It's one of the sticky posts at the top of the forum.
12/20/2010 12:11:45 PM EDT
[#5]
Try here MidwayUSA's AR-15 Schematic .

Now that you are a Bronze member before you buy check these 2010 Official Good Deals and In-Stock Thread and Gun Related Promotion Codes here. Thanks MODS .

Merry Xmas!
12/22/2010 11:06:16 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
See, I just learned something new.  Forged and billet.  I thought a lower was a lower.  I have so much to learn.  Maybe I am in over my head.


There is also cast which are typically lower priced but you don't see many of those on the market anymore.
12/22/2010 1:14:03 PM EDT
[#7]
I wouldn't say you're in over your head, I just finished building my first AR. Also just officially joined ARFCOM, although i've lurking around here for months. I'm not going to claim to have all the answers (on the contrary actually), but you can pick up a ton of info just poking around here. Especially the tacked threads in the various forums. Personally the"build it yourself" forum was a huge help for me. After months of slowly buying parts, it took me an hour and half to get 'er all assembled, even managed launch the front detent pin a couple times. Good luck, you should be fine, you're in mostly good hands around here...  
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